Monthly Archives: March 2017

First impressions are crucial, whether you are interviewing for a job or going on a first date. Your smile is a key part of your first impression, but many people have unsightly teeth. Whether your teeth are crooked, stained, worn down, or yellowed, porcelain veneers are a simple way to improve your smile.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain shells that go over the front of your teeth. They require very little tooth preparation, making them a healthier choice than crowns. As they are tightly bonded to your teeth, porcelain veneers are durable and long-lasting.

What Conditions Do Veneers Solve?

Veneers do not fix dental health issues. If your teeth are diseased or injured, you must have those problems treated before you receive veneers. However, many people have healthy teeth that do not look their best. Here are some common cosmetic issues that veneers can cover.

Wear and tear: Teeth tend to wear down over time, especially in people who tend to chew on ice or other objects, or use their teeth as a tool.

Minor breakage: Falls and other light traumas can cause one or more teeth to chip or break. While deep damage needs to be fixed, porcelain veneers can cover chips and minor breaks.

Discoloration: Teeth can become discolored for many reasons, including excessive fluoride consumption, root canals, tetracycline, and large fillings.

Misshapen or uneven teeth: Misshapen and uneven teeth are quite common, due simply to the fact that some teeth grow in more perfectly than others.

Minor gaps or crookedness: Minor gaps and slightly crooked teeth don’t necessarily need a complex treatment such as braces or Invisalign, but you might wish your teeth were a bit straighter. Porcelain veneers can help.

Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?

Very few dental treatments last a lifetime. However, porcelain veneers are one of the longer-lasting treatment options. They are strong and durable, and can easily withstand the normal forces of biting and chewing. With proper care, they can easily last for well over a decade.

In addition, porcelain veneers are less prone to staining and yellowing than natural teeth. While tooth whitening must be repeated regularly, veneers continue to look white and healthy as long as you follow excellent oral hygiene habits.

Will I Look Natural?

Many people shy away from porcelain veneers for fear of receiving a too-white, artificial-looking “game show host” smile. In reality, though, porcelain veneers are extremely natural in appearance. They mimic the translucency and sheen of real teeth and can be color-matched to your existing smile.

For a whiter smile, you might choose to have your natural teeth whitened and then your veneers color-matched to that tone. While this is a great option, keep in mind that you will need to have the whitening repeated regularly for all of your teeth to match.

Supplementary Cosmetic Dentistry

In addition to tooth whitening, your dentist might suggest further treatments to more fully enhance your smile. Invisalign is one of the most common. While minor crookedness and small gaps are easy to correct with veneers, Invisalign is best for more severely misaligned teeth. This allows us to place only the needed veneers, rather than filling up your mouth in an effort to create the impression that your teeth are straight.

Like any other cosmetic treatment, porcelain veneers are not right for everyone. Your dentist will consider the health and aesthetics of your current smile, along with your budget and your personal goals for treatment. Before any work begins, we will work hard to ensure that you have a detailed understanding of our recommendations and that all of your questions and concerns are addressed.

Married dentists Chad and Alexandra Schnabel welcome you to Savannah Dental Solutions. From caring children’s dentistry to high-tech cosmetic procedures and even full-mouth reconstruction, we blend the latest technology with traditional customer-oriented values. To start your journey to better oral health, call us today at (912) 354-1366.

Dental appointments are an important part of your dental hygiene routine and your overall health. Generally, these appointments follow the same routine to ensure that you get the highest quality of care. If you’re unsure of what to expect at your next dental appointment, here are some things you can expect.

Signing in with the Receptionist

When you first arrive at the dentist’s office, expect to sign in with the receptionist and fill out any necessary paperwork that might be required. If you have dental insurance, be prepared with your card and any relevant co-pays that might be applicable. If you are a new patient, plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your appointment time to fill out paperwork about the office’s privacy policies and your health. The dentist will want to know about past medical procedures, health conditions, and allergies, especially to medications or latex.

X-Rays

If this is your first dental appointment at this particular practice or if it’s an annual check-up, you can expect to have x-rays taken of your mouth, teeth, and jaw line to identify any potential dental concerns. Dental x-rays are considered safe, although you should discuss any concerns about the procedure to your dentist. Pregnant women may want to check with their health practitioners to see if x-rays should wait until after the baby is born.

Examination

During most dental appointments, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth. The dentist will look to see if your gums are healthy and if any dental issues, such as cavities, emerged since your last appointment. If this is your first time or if it’s an annual check-up, the examination should take more time to complete.

Procedure

Next, the dentist will complete whatever procedure you came in for. This may include a filling or a root canal. Dental cleanings are typically performed by experienced dental hygienists. You’ll be offered pain relief, topical or injectable, for more invasive procedures that may cause pain. Surgical procedures may require nitrous oxide gas or further sedation.

Recommendations

Depending on what the dentist finds during the examination, the dentist may make recommendations for procedures or improved dental hygiene. The dentist should explain what is recommended, as well as why and how it should help. If there is time available to complete the recommended procedure, it is possible that it could take place during your dental appointment.

Quotes

Your dentist should provide you with a price quote for services before completing any of the recommended procedures. If you have dental insurance, the dentist or staff members will determine what your out of pocket costs are. In some cases, especially for more expensive procedures, you may have to agree in writing to the procedure.

Going to the dentist should be a quick and painless part of your oral hygiene routine. If you schedule regular dental appointments, you should catch small dental issues, like cavities, before they become more serious and expensive dental procedures, like root canals. At Savannah Dental Solutions, we provide professional, expert dental care. Call us at 912-354-1366 for an appointment today.